Why Do I Do What I Do?

Each year, this time, I make the effort to spend some time reviewing the state of my consulting practice. Besides the typical year-end analysis, I dedicate extra quality time connecting within to see if I feel I have accomplished what I am passionate about – truly making a difference in the life of anyone affected by cancer.

When I recently shared my strategy with some of my friends, they asked me

How have I stayed sane when surrounding myself only with cancer patients?

Wasn’t this a constant reminder of my own experience with cancer?

While a valid question, and not the first time I have been asked this, the truth is that I do feel drawn to this special community, and that my own cancer journey is not something of the past, but a constant in my life. It is a part of me; not a reminder of a traumatic time – although trauma was a part of it – but rather a reminder of how imperative it is to transform our relationship with cancer and embrace it as an integral part of one’s life journey.

Being on both sides, that of the patient as well as the practitioner, allows me a view into both worlds. That led me to contemplate further why I do what I do, and whether I am serving my community in a way that benefits them.

There are 3 words that define my Core Values:

Integrity, Compassion and Authenticity.

Kirstin's 3 Core Values

These 3 words define how I run my practice; they also determine for me how I feel as a recipient of similar integrative health services when I wear the “patient” cap.

It is a continuous feedback loop for me, I give and share, and so I wish to receive, learn and implement.

I see my role as practitioner to be one who guides and educates starting with an honest and truthful evaluation, being able to identify with the challenges, even often suffering because I experience this myself but getting results at the end.

That is precisely what fuels me to show up in a trustworthy and “real” way to offer support and relief.

I gather and immerse myself in the evidence-based clinical literature on what has been shown to have an impact on our health. I’m mindful to teach and make this information available in a way that recognizes the humanity within each of us.

We are all in this Fight for our Life together, and none less so than when faced with dire health circumstances. We are also united in our efforts to redefine the word “fight”, and still find joy and laughter amidst the most challenging times keeping the perspective on what is essential to do, and how we can pragmatically make it happen.

We owe to ourselves to address and conquer our resistance caused by self-limiting beliefs.

As I strive to offer my services in an empowering yet empathetic way, could I ask for your continued support and active engagement to help me streamline what I do so we all grow in strength?

I value, and need, your feedback and direction as well, just as much as you may need mine.

Together, we can conquer the mountain and revel in the view, and new-found perspective, we receive when making it to the top!

In Gratitude